Join Mika, Jesse, and their dog Pancake in this episode of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast as they share their journey from Canada to Japan's countryside. From converting a traditional Japanese house into a cozy, rustic home, to adjusting to rural life and learning blacksmithing, they open up about the joys and challenges of their new life. Perfect for dreamers, doers, and those curious about alternative lifestyles, this episode is a deep dive into what it takes to build a community and a dream in a foreign land. Find our guests here: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@maigomika] Website [https://www.maigomika.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/maigomika/?hl=en] 00:00 Introduction and Special Guests 02:09 Journey to Japan: From Teaching to Blacksmithing 05:50 Living in the Japanese Countryside 11:20 Challenges and Community Integration 22:29 Breaking Barriers in Community Involvement 26:47 Gardening as a Community Icebreaker 28:47 Challenges of Rural Living 32:29 The Search for a Permanent Home